In July 2017, Nedra Glover Tawwab created her Instagram account and quickly became one of the most popular therapists in the world. With over 1.8 million followers on Instagram and nearly 16,000 on TikTok, Tawwab has been able to reach a much larger audience than she ever could through traditional therapy alone.
Based in Charlotte, N.C., Tawwab uses her online presence as a way to connect with people who may not have access to therapy or feel that it’s not for them. As a Black therapist, she draws on her culture and language to resonate with her followers and create a sense of trust and relatability.
Tawwab’s recent posts focus on helping her followers feel hopeful, offering advice on healthy relationships, and providing thoughtful reflections on various mental health topics. She aims to normalize difficult emotions like grief by sharing her own experiences and encouraging others to seek professional help when needed.
While social media can be a powerful tool for reaching out to others, Tawwab is mindful of its limitations. She emphasizes that social media is just a starting point for improving mental health, not a substitute for therapy. Tawwab encourages her followers to develop relationships with local therapists if they need additional support beyond what she can offer online.
Overall, Tawwab has created a safe space online where people can begin their journey towards better mental health by providing valuable insights and setting boundaries around what she shares with her followers.
